Transfer News: Raheem Sterling could lose Chelsea ally before summer window shuts
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Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling could depart Chelsea before the summer window closes (Credit: Imago)

Transfer News: Raheem Sterling could lose Chelsea ally before summer window shuts

Seye Omidiora 10:25 - 20.08.2024

The Englishman’s future was already uncertain but a close teammate could also leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline.

Raheem Sterling's future at Chelsea is up in the air after he was left out of the squad for their opening Premier League match. 

Sterling’s Chelsea future

The English winger has struggled to find his place at the club since joining in the summer of 2022 despite sufficient game time and was even booed by the home support at Stamford Bridge during an FA Cup match with Leicester City in the 2023-24 season. 

Raheem Sterling
Chelsea's Raheem Sterling missed from 12 yards against Leicester City | Imago

Sterling ended the season positively under Mauricio Pochettino and seemed set to play an important part under Enzo Maresca only for the winger to be dropped from the squad for the Blues’ Premier League opener against Manchester City, prompting a statement from the wide attacker’s representatives.

As per The Mirror, the 29-year-old’s position could be further weakened by the potential departure of young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka after Enzo Maresca’s post-match remarks after Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Man City.

What Maresca said

Chukwuemeka has attracted interest from other clubs, including Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and European giants Barcelona and AC Milan. The 20-year-old is reportedly open to a loan move and could leave West London in the summer window’s final days. 

Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea in 2022 (Credit: Imago)

“Carney is a very good player, but because of some injuries in the past, I think it's important he plays 30 or 35 games in a row," Maresca said. "Is he going to play that for us? I'm not sure.”

Sterling had previously received support from Chukwuemeka after facing criticism from Chelsea fans against Leicester; however, with Chukwuemeka's potential departure, the winger could lose a dressing room ally. 

Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling
Carney Chukwuemeka and Raheem Sterling are close in the Chelsea dressing room (Credit: Imago)

"Raheem is an experienced player - he's had an amazing career,"said the midfielder after Sterling was booed. "We know what a great footballer he is. He's contributed to goals and assists and won many penalties for the team this season. It happens. He's human.

"Players miss chances or have an off day. We stay behind him. He still got an assist for Cole Palmer's goal. For us youngsters, especially me, he's helped us a lot since we came. He's always on at us, showing us what we can do better, what we can improve on. That's outside of football as well as in."

What comes next?

It remains to be seen if Chelsea trim their bloated squad before the window closes, with only 11 days left to complete deals among European clubs. 

The Blues face Servette in the Conference League on Thursday before returning to Premier League action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 25.